“She was everything to me. I never could have done what I did without her.”
When Feldman, Kleidman, Collins & Sappe LLP’s (FKC&S) Founding Partner Jeff Feldman reflects on Patricia “Patti” Porcaro’s more than four decades by his side, those are the words that come to mind.
The FKC&S family is deeply saddened by the passing of Patti, our longtime office manager, colleague and friend, who passed away on May 24, 2026. While Patti officially retired in 2025 after 39 years with the firm, her impact on FKC&S remains immeasurable.
To understand Patti’s legacy, you have to go back to 1982.
Jeff had only been practicing law for a few years when Patti was hired as his secretary at a previous firm. Though he had worked with several secretaries early in his career, Patti stood out.
“It was abundantly clear immediately that Patti was different,” Jeff recalled.
In those days, a legal secretary’s ability to take dictation was an essential skill, and Patti excelled at it. But what truly set her apart was her ability to learn quickly, anticipate needs and take ownership of whatever needed to be done.
“She learned the medicine quickly and we learned each other quickly,” Jeff said. “I was a budding trial lawyer and needed someone in the office who could take care of my desk while I was on trial. She took care of everything.”
By the time Jeff and Paul Kleidman decided to leave and start their own law firm in 1986, Patti had become an indispensable part of their team. She handled trial preparation, coordinated witnesses, communicated with clients and insurance carriers and managed countless responsibilities behind the scenes.
A few months after Jeff and Paul launched FKC&S, Patti called and asked to join them. There was one problem: they couldn’t afford to hire her.
“I told her we didn’t have any income yet and I couldn’t afford to pay her,” Jeff remembered. “She said, ‘Well, you can owe it to me. I know this is going to work out, and I’d just rather be working with you and Paul.'”
It was an extraordinary leap of faith.
Patti joined the firm in July 1986, accepting less pay than she had earned at her previous job because she believed in the people she worked with and the future they were building together. A few short months later, Jeff settled two personal injury cases for more than $2 million and paid Patti back.
“We knew that whatever we were doing, we never could have accomplished it had it not been for her,” said Jeff.
As FKC&S grew from a small startup firm into one of the Hudson Valley’s premier litigation firms, Patti grew with it.
She was the glue that held everyone together. She hired support staff, managed operations, oversaw technology, coordinated vendors and handled countless details that allowed the attorneys to focus on serving clients.
Even after becoming the firm’s office manager, Patti never stopped supporting the legal work that had defined the early years of her career.
“It wasn’t until much later, when we were much larger, that she became a full-time office manager,” Jeff said. “Even up to a year or two ago, she would still work on my trials and help me prepare for things.”
In fact, after a successful defense verdict in a complex medical malpractice trial in 2023, Jeff publicly praised Patti’s contributions, noting that she had handled many of the paralegal tasks that helped the trial team achieve the favorable outcome.
Yet much of Patti’s most important work happened quietly behind the scenes.
“Paul or I could go on vacation for a week and come back and everything would be fine,” Jeff said. “But if Patti went away for a week, it was utter chaos. Nobody ever knew all the things she did.”
Whether it was troubleshooting the phone system, managing deposits, coordinating staff or solving unexpected problems, Patti handled it seamlessly. Because she made everything look easy, many people never realized just how much she was doing.
“One time Patti and I went away at the same time and Paul was here by himself,” Jeff recalled with a laugh. “When we came back, we promised each other we’d never leave Paul here by himself again.”
Behind the humor is a truth everyone at FKC&S understood: Patti was the steady hand that kept the firm running. Her impact extended far beyond the day-to-day operation of the office and, to those who worked alongside her, she was a trusted colleague, mentor and friend whose kindness left a lasting impression.
“I will always remember Patti not only for her exceptional kindness, professionalism and unwavering dedication to our office, but also as a friend,” said Legal Assistant Anne Leito. “She created a welcoming and supportive work environment and genuinely cared about the people around her. She was surely one of a kind.”
“Patti, was a steady presence in our office”, said Billing Supervisor Stephanie Huppert. “She led with quiet efficiency, was always patient and helpful. She will be missed.”
For many newer employees, Patti became an invaluable source of guidance and support.
“There are not enough words that could truly describe Patti,” said Allissa Jamison. “I had the honor of spending three years being a few steps away from the most kind, patient and thoughtful person. Patti always had an answer to every question asked.”
Allissa also recalled how much Patti loved talking about her family. “When we weren’t talking about work, she shared stories of her daughter and her grandchildren, and it was always a treat when she would share pictures with us.”
Others remembered Patti for the qualities that made her such a beloved member of the FKC&S family: exceptionally kind, intelligent, reliable, hardworking and easy to talk to. She loved her family, enjoyed sharing a laugh about everyday life and made those around her feel supported and valued.
More than an office manager, Patti was a trusted colleague, mentor, problem-solver and friend. Her loyalty, leadership and dedication helped shape the culture of FKC&S and touch the lives of our entire team.
We extend our deepest condolences to Patti’s husband, Nicholas, her daughter, Lauren, her grandchildren, Ava and Aidan, and her entire family.
Patti was not simply part of the firm’s history. She was part of its foundation. Her contributions helped build FKC&S into the firm it is today, and her legacy will continue to be felt for years to come.
She will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.
To read Patti’s obituary, please click here.